In recent years, there has been a surge of innovation in the vintage portable console market. Devices such as the Anbernic RG35XX SP and the Miyoo Mini Plus have taken center stage, allowing both long-time players and newcomers to experience classics. However, a new contender has entered the ring: the Miyoo Flip.
If you’re a fan of the Game Boy Advance SP or simply enjoy clamshell-style handhelds, the Miyoo Flip might be on your radar. In this article, we’ll go over everything this device has to offer—from design and features to performance and usability—to help you determine whether it’s worth your time and money.
The Beginnings of the Miyoo Flip
The Miyoo Flip didn’t appear out of nowhere. It all started with some leaked designs on Reddit in April 2023, which showed off a vintage clamshell design that immediately aroused interest in the retro gaming community. The device offered a pocket-friendly physical factor reminiscent of the GBA SP, and gamers were ecstatic at the prospect of a high-quality emulation device for around $100.
Interestingly, Anbernic beat Miyoo to the punch with the RG35XX SP, which was released in May 2024. This maneuver set a high bar. Miyoo needed to ensure that their Flip could compete, especially after the A30 handheld garnered mixed reviews due to bad stock firmware and lackluster hardware.
Given Miyoo’s reputation for great hardware but poor software, many fans believed that homemade firmware would once again save the day. As we will see, community support remains critical to the Miyoo Flip’s success.
First Impressions – What’s inside the box?
Opening the Miyoo Flip is an experience in and of itself. The Miyoo Flip console is shipped in a minimalist cardboard box.
- USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable
- User Manual (Basic but Useful)
- Online Tool Guide ZardGadjets.
Screen protectors
When you open the clamshell, you’ll detect a pleasing click. It immediately feels quality, but a little light. The 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS display is bright and sharp, making it suitable for classic games with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
High-quality design and construction, as well as portability.
If you are familiar with the original Game Boy Advance SP, the Miyoo Flip seems like a spiritual sequel. It is roughly identical in size and more pocketable than larger variants such as the RG35XX SP.
While its compact size makes it more portable, the plastic casing, especially in its V2 edition, seems cheap. However, it’s a tiny price to pay for the device’s functionality and nostalgic value.
Buttons and Controls
- The Flip’s controls are undoubtedly its finest feature.
- Flat, clicky face buttons with little travel
- The D-pad is more responsive than on the original GBA SP.
- Dual analog sticks (similar to the PlayStation Vita).
But here’s the catch: the analog sticks are extremely close to the bottom edge, making extended play sessions uncomfortable. If you plan on playing a lot of PSP or Dreamcast games, you might want to think about this.
Build flaws.
There are certain hardware quirks:
- Heat vents placed exactly where your fingers rest.
- Only the bottom USB-C port works for charging.
- Does not support USB-C to USB-C cables; only USB-A to USB-C works.
Miyoo clearly cut corners in order to save money, however these mistakes have a minor but unpleasant influence on usability.
Performance and Supported Systems
The Miyoo Flip is powered by a Rockchip RK3566 chipset, which allows it to emulate up to the Dreamcast, PSP, and occasionally the Nintendo 64. Here’s a basic summary of system compatibility:
Don’t expect full-speed gameplay in more demanding titles like Crazy Taxi or God of War: Chains of Olympus. However, for simpler titles and earlier systems, performance is mostly consistent.
The Software Experience
Let’s be honest: the Miyoo Flip’s stock operating system is unimpressive. Despite promising full Dreamcast and PSP support, several titles experience slowdowns or outright crashes.
What is the good news? Custom firmware choices such as MinUI, MuOS, and others are already helping to improve the experience. For many users, the aftermarket firmware transforms the Flip into a fully functional emulation device.
Here is a step-by-step instruction for installing MinUI:
- Back up your original SD card.
- Download MinUI from the official GitHub page.
- Use Balena Etcher to flash the image onto a fresh MicroSD card.
- Insert the fresh card and start up the Flip.
- Enjoy the redesigned UI and improved performance!
- Please read the firmware documentation before installing to avoid bricking your device.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The 3000mAh battery provides 4-6 hours of gameplay, depending on screen brightness and emulation load. It’s adequate for a daily commute or travel, although avid gamers may need to recharge more frequently.
Additional features include:
- Features include built-in Wi-Fi and an HDMI-out connector for gaming on large screens.
- Two MicroSD card slots provide additional storage versatility.
Real-world Use Cases
Below are some personal anecdotes from players who have used the Miyoo Flip:
- “While waiting for my train, I took out the Flip and became engrossed in Metroid Fusion.” “The sound of the hinge clicking shut took me back to my SP days.”
- “I keep it in my jacket pocket now. I don’t think about it; it’s constantly there. It’s the ideal diversion while I’m out and about.”
- That’s what makes the Flip so appealing—it’s not perfect, but it’s portable and pleasurable.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent screen and aspect ratio.
- Excellent D-Pad and Face buttons.
- Dual Analog Sticks
- Strong community support for modified firmware.
- The clamshell design protects the screen.
Cons
- Inadequate stock OS
- Cheap-feeling shell.
- Awkward analog stick positioning.
- Heat vents impact grip comfort.
Alternatives To Consider
- If you’re still undecided, here are some options to the Miyoo Flip:
- Anbernic RG 35XX SP: More polished out of the box, better stock. OS
- Miyoo Mini Plus: Pocket-sized, with robust CFW support.
- TrimUI Smart: Improved portability with modern design.
- MyGameRank Gaming Guides.
Each of them offers advantages, so your pick will be based on your priorities.
FAQs
Is the Miyoo Flip suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you are technically inclined or interested in learning about custom firmware. Otherwise, the stock experience may seem clumsy.
Does the Miyoo Flip come with games?
No, the gadget does not come with pre-installed games. You will need to manually add your own ROMs.
Can I link the Miyoo Flip to a television?
Yes! With its HDMI-out port, you can connect it to a TV for a larger-screen gaming experience.
How long do the batteries last?
Depending on the simulation strength and screen brightness, you can expect to play for roughly 4-6 hours per charge.
Is it superior than Anbernic’s RG35XX SP?
It depends. The RG35XX SP has better standard firmware, but the Miyoo Flip wins for mobility and clicky buttons.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dependable experience right out of the box, the Miyoo Flip may not be the greatest option right now. However, if you’re willing to fiddle with firmware or wait for community updates, the Flip has a lot of potential.
It’s a promising handheld with good hardware, a classic design, and a dedicated fan base. As fresh custom firmware is developed, the Flip could soon become the leading choice for retro gaming.
